Finding Christmas Joy

Tis the joyous season, or so some people say
I was looking for some Christmas magic to flow my way
Getting together with family and friends for eats was alright
But when all was said and done, it left me high and dry

Off from work for a few days, brought some happy thoughts
But still did not bring the special joy that I earnestly sought
I relished in the early gifts I had already received
But the joy they brought was superficial and short-lived

But when my family went to bed and me still awake
In the wee early hours of a  brand new Christmas Day
As I prepared my gifts to give to my family asleep
A warm feeling begin to over my longing heart creep

It was the blessed Christmas joy that I had seeking to find
In all the wrong places with a wrong frame of mind
For in the words of the Savior in whom I do believe
"It is more blessed to give than it is to receive"

Cling to Innocence

Innocence on cliff edge, considering the ocean which lies before

Clouds kiss the water where sea and sky meet

Little girl, teddy bear in tow

Glances down at the water below

The waves beckon with white foamy hands

Promises of mystical enchantment in faraway lands

Unicorns, Pegasus’, dragons and knights in shining armor

Riding to her rescue, a princess in need of saving

Oh sweet darling princess

Cling to innocence

For soon you will swim

In oceans grim

In dangerous places

Where evil awaits

To steal your dreams

And lock you away in a dreary castle

Guarded by dragons and demons that taunt your soul

Reminding you of the little girl who once stood looking

Over the ocean dreaming of mystical places and knights in shining armor.

Manger Scenes in Blue Ridge?

After the light up Blue Ridge Festivities last weekend, the children and I drove through downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia to check out the Christmas lights. While driving by the Christmas light displays in the Blue Ridge Park located in downtown, my 10 year old daughter asked me, "Where is the Manger Scene?" I begin looking real close at the holiday light displays for a Nativity Scene and to my dismay, I could not find one. Thinking that I must have overlooked the Nativity scene, I made another circle around the Christmas Light displays and still did not see one. The next night, when I went to workout at Downtown Blue Ridge Fitness Center I circled the displays again hoping to find a Nativity Scene, no could find.

Why the big deal about a Nativity Scene? Well, the last time I checked, Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ. The word Christmas even spells it out. Since Christmas is a holiday that recognizes the birth of Christ, it is only logical that there should be appropriate decorations that recognize the basis of the holiday. Santa Claus, reindeer, sleighs, and Winter scenes are all fine, but why not include lights and scenes that portray what the holiday is really all about.

Maybe it was just an oversight, or maybe there is a Nativity Scene amidst the other decorations that I am not seeing or maybe quaint little Blue Ridge, Ga has become politically correct. If that is the case, may we all reminded that Christmas has traditionally been about the birth of Christ. December 25 may not be His actual birthday, but is is a day set aside that we recognize the birth of Jesus. Whether people believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world is irrelevant, Christmas is set aside to recognize His birthday. That being the case, I believe the Christmas decorations in Blue Ridge should reflect the true meaning of the season.

On a more positive note, Mark Seven Auto Detailing has a Nativity Scene at their location on Hwy 515 and Cochran's Jewelry has a Nativity Scene in their window display. Hats off to these businesses who get the true meaning of the holiday.

If I have somehow overlooked a Nativity Scene in Downtown Blue Ridge, please leave a comment and let me know I will gladly update this post.